Development and Prospects of Organ Replacement Regenerative Therapy
October 2013
in “
Cornea
”
TLDR Scientists have made progress in creating replacement teeth, hair, and glands that work, which could lead to new treatments for missing teeth, baldness, and dryness conditions.
In November 2013, researchers discussed advancements in organ replacement regenerative therapy, particularly focusing on the "organ germ method" for bioengineering functional teeth and hair follicles. This method successfully generated teeth with correct structures and hardness, which integrated with jawbone and restored masticatory function. Bioengineered hair follicles were capable of regenerating hair shafts and maintaining hair cycling, and when transplanted into mice, they grew pigmented hair, suggesting potential treatments for alopecia. Additionally, the document reported on the successful development of bioengineered salivary and lacrimal glands that could secrete fluids, indicating possible therapies for xerostomia and dry eye disease. The future of this therapy was tied to the use of patient-specific or stem cells to avoid immune rejection and the potential to regenerate more complex organs. Specific numerical data or participant numbers were not provided in the summary.
